Jesus continues teaching in the region of Galilee, but the disputes with the
Pharisees and other religious leaders appear to have quieted now. Jesus teaches
about humility, religious tolerance, sin, church discipline and forgiveness.
Jesus' parables of the Lost Sheep and Unmerciful Servant are
included in this lesson.

1. All Jewish men were expected to pay an annual temple tax equivalent to about
two days wages.a) Why did Jesus think He did not owe the temple tax?b) How does this story demonstrate Jesus' humility?c) How does this
story demonstrate Jesus' divinity? (See Matthew
17:24-27.)

2. At this point in time, the disciples still thought Jesus would set up an earthly
kingdom to restore Israel's glory. They argued about which of them would be
greatest in that kingdom.a) According to Jesus, what are the qualities
of someone who is actually greatest in the kingdom of God? (See Matthew
18:1-5, Mark 9:33-37, Luke
9:46-48.)b) Do you strive for those qualities?

4. It would be a horrible death to have a millstone tied around one's neck and
be drowned in the sea. But Jesus said an even worse eternal fate awaits people
who tempt others into sin. (See Matthew
18:6-7, Mark 9:42, Luke
17:1-2.)a) What organizations, businesses or individuals can you
think of that lead people astray or tempt them to sin?b) Do you have
any past transgressions of this type that need to be forgiven? What do you
plan to do about it?

7. Jesus recognized the need for discipline within the Church, but focused on
bringing an offender back into the good graces of church members. Excommunication
should be reserved as a last resort. What are the four steps of church discipline
outlined by Jesus? (See Matthew 18:15-20, Luke 17:3.)

8. Questions 8 - 12 refer to Jesus' Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:23-35). How did the king in the parable
respond to the servant who owed him a very large sum of money?

9. How did that servant respond to his fellow servant who owed him a rather small
amount of money?